Vihiga ECDE learners set to benefit from Soya premix feeding programme

Vihiga County is set to roll out a soya premix school feeding programme for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners beginning March 2026, in a move aimed at improving child nutrition and learning outcomes.

Speaking during the announcement, County Executive Committee Member for Education, Science, Technical and Vocational Training Anne Desma said the initiative is designed to enhance the health and nutritional status of young learners while strengthening community-based agricultural practices.

She added that the programme will be implemented by Sustainable Organic Farming and Development Initiatives (SOFDI) in partnership with the county government.

Desma noted that proper nutrition is critical at the ECDE level as it supports optimal growth, cognitive development, school attendance and overall participation in learning activities. She added that the feeding programme is expected to contribute to improved academic performance and holistic development among learners across the county.

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“Beyond supporting children’s health, the soya premix programme will also focus on boosting local agricultural production. The initiative seeks to increase the availability of soya within communities, promote awareness of the crop as a high-value and soil-enriching commodity, and encourage sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation to break pest cycles.” She added

She added that the local farmers are expected to benefit economically through increased soya production and improved market access, while the wider community stands to gain from strengthened food security.

County officials say the programme aligns with Vihiga’s broader strategy of linking education, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods to achieve long-term development outcomes.

By Godfrey Wamalwa

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